Boulder Mountain Property with Panoramic Views

$889,600

There are number of desirable (and often rare) attributes that set a Boulder Mountain property apart. This property has them all! It is truly one of a kind!

The house: Constructed with quality and efficiency in 1991 and designed for the current owners by esteemed architect David Waugh, this 4100+ sq. ft. home is sited perfectly on the nearly 3-acre lot to take full advantage of the privacy, views and rare level topography. And the floor plan of this lofty, light filled home has stood the test of time, as functional and comfortable now as it was when it was designed.

The main living area is open and takes full advantage of abundant south facing light and panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The kitchen, eat-in kitchen nook and kitchen deck face southeast toward the rising sun and full moon rise. Facing south, adjoining the kitchen is the open dining area. The living room faces southwest taking in the glorious vivid colors of the sun setting behind the Divide.

Upstairs are three lovely bedrooms in a well executed design that places the master suite at the top, and the other two bedrooms, just a few steps below, allowing for closeness for small children, yet a bit of privacy for the parents. Connecting the levels are landings large enough for a small lounge or office space. One of the landings is a balcony that overlooks the main living area, adding to the lofty feel of the open floor plan. The master suite features a walk-in closet and large bath with soaking tub, separate extra large shower and views to Green Mountain to the East and beyond.

The other two bedrooms are both well proportioned, with plenty of light and fine views. One bedroom has a walk-in closet while the other has a closet and small built-in desk or seat under the window. Both bedrooms share a bath and a large linen closet in the hall. There is also additional space for playroom or homework station on the landing near the bedrooms.

On the walk out lower level is a family room with wood burning stove and kitchenette/wet bar area with large closet. The two south-facing lower level bedrooms offer great light and views. Additionally, there is an office on this level, facing southeast, with ample built-in shelving. There is one cheery full bathroom on the lower level along with utility rooms, and several walk-in storage closets creating plenty of storage space. This entire level has easy and separate access from the outdoors.

The oversized two car garage is attached to the house, offering storage and work areas. The entry to the house from the garage is via a large hallway landing that serves as an excellent mudroom, with a nearby powder room and multiple closets. This garage entryway leads to the front door on the main level, offering additional mudroom space for that area, and also leads to the lower level. There is a large attached shed for storage, hobby work, gardening tools, or other use.

The land: It very unusual for a mountain property to offer a level lot with a large south facing meadow AND, at the same time, offer magnificent views. And while, there are other properties with views, few of them compare to these views, which are some of the finest in the area. The 2.8-acre parcel borders a large expanse of National Forest Land, including nearby Dream Canyon. Fire mitigation work has been completed in the woodland areas on the west, east and north sides of the house. The large level meadow to the south is abundant with wild flowers and visited regularly by the local herd of elk. The house is surrounded by rock gardens with ponds, and a circular drive for ease in turning and ample parking. From tests, which the City of Boulder conducted, the owners believe that the fresh water from their deep well draws directly from the local aquifer. There is a pond on the property filled with Cat’s Tails that is fed by snow melt.

The views: Already mentioned, but worth noting again, this property boasts some of the best south facing unobstructed and panoramic views in the area of the Continental Divide. James Mountain (13,000+ ft.) is the highest peak seen from the living room with Eldora Ski Resort (14 miles by car) in the foreground.

The access: Typically mountain properties have long and/or severely sloping driveways. This property is unique in that the driveway is short and level, accessed directly from Sugarloaf Road, which is plowed and well maintained by the County. This property is 5 miles from Canyon Blvd, 9 miles from Boulder City limits – an easy 20 minute drive on main roads. The school bus for both the Nederland and Boulder school districts stop nearby. This property is in the enrollment area for Flatirons Elementary in Boulder.

The lifestyle: The lifestyle is perfect for people enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities, hiking, biking, rock climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, canoeing, and so on, while also having easy access to both the culture and conveniences of the City of Boulder, and the enjoyment of the mountain towns such as nearby Nederland.

There are numerous hikes to explore in all directions from the property. Walking across the level meadow south of the house, the topography changes at the property line and boundary of the National Forest, and there is a slight incline, (perfect for sledding and snowshoeing in winter). Continuing down the hill leads to a trail to Dream Canyon and North Boulder Creek. Further on are cliffs that overlook Boulder Falls. Sugarloaf Mountain is a short distance to the north of the house. It is a comfortable hike to the top, which has amazing 360-degree views over the plains, foothills, Continental Divide, with James Peak, Arapahoe Mountain and Longs Peak (one of CO’s 14ers). There are many hikes along old mining tracks. Especially notable is the historic Switzerland Trail, which passes half a mile from the house. Also nearby is Betasso Preserve, renowned in the area for world-class mountain biking, horse riding and hiking.

Enjoyment of wildlife is another major feature of this property. The large local elk herd regularly spends the night in the meadow after heavy snow. Mule deer often hang around the house, as well as coyotes, foxes, bobcat, moose, and the smaller critters such as rabbits and squirrels. Many species of birds visit the feeders including humming birds, crossbills, Stellar jay, and the beautiful mountain bluebird. Red-tailed hawks nest in Dream Canyon to the south and eagles occasionally soar above.

Boulder Canyon is a 5-mile drive to the East, and a 5-mile drive to the west takes one to the famously scenic Peak-to-Peak Highway, along which it is a spectacular one-hour drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Estes Park.

Going south on Peak–to-Peak Highway takes one to the historic and fun mountain town of Nederland (9 miles) and then through Blackhawk/Central City to I-70 and the major ski resorts and other tourist scenic areas. Nederland has many attractions such as Miner’s Days, Frozen Dead Guy days, the famous carousel, and many restaurants and shops. Eldora Ski Resort is just past Nederland, 14 miles from the property.

Sugarloaf is a tight-knit community with an ethos of neighbor helping neighbor. When asked about the charming tree sprite at the entrance to the driveway, the owner responded that their neighbor made the ‘Wächter” from the upturned tree root of one of the trees that the owners reluctantly cut down to make room for the house. It is a Swiss tradition and “Wächter,” means guardian, protector, keeper, or watchman to ward off any “evil The neighbors gave it to the owners as a house warming present and “welcome to our new neighborhood” gift when they moved in, once the house was finished. [The neighbor couple have since died, but were wonderful neighbors and surrogate grandparents to the owner’s young son, while his biological grandparents were in Britain.)